Texas Music Scene
Texas is known as the “Lone Star State”, home of the popular animated
series King of the Hill, and delicious southwestern cuisine. This state, the largest in
the U.S., has produced a proportionate amount of talent to its size. The acts that
come from Texas seem to be just a little different from other places. Don’t count that as a negative though, individuality is the lifeblood of any band.
The list of stars who hail from Texas is vast. Buddy Holly, Stevie Ray Vaughan, ZZ Top, Willie Nelson, and Waylon Jennings are all American staples that can be heard on the radio across the world. These old favorites have a style of their own that transcends traditional popular culture. The beautiful Texas landscape and laid-back atmosphere have most certainly played a part in shaping the music of these legendary artists.
In the 80s Texas saw an even more diverse list of elite musicians rise. Pantera, arguably one of the finest metal bands of all-time, emerged from Dallas. The Toadies biggest charting song “Possum Kingdom” was named after a lake in Dallas.
Houston is the birthplace of all the founding members of the best-selling female group, Destiny’s Child. “Space City” is also known for its tendency to produce some of the more experimental groups in the state. A large local punk and extreme scene are present here.
In the mid-1990s, at the height of the grunge movement, a quirky band from San Antonio called The Butt-hole Surfers was able to make a break into the mainstream. San Antonio is also home to the Texas Music Coalition (www.texasmusiccoalition.org), who unselfishly helps to educate, promote, and provide scholarships to local musicians.
The Police and Elvis Costello benefited from the liberal population in Austin, Texas; Joe King Carrasco & the Crowns created an unlikely blend of Tex-Mex and New Wave. Austin’s 6th Street is known to many as “The Live Music Capital of the World”.
Best Venues to play in Texas:
Austin - The Continental Club books country, blues, rockabilly and singer-songwriters. This Elvis-themed club opened in 1957 and still looks much the same.
Houston - Meridian is a multi-faceted club in downtown Houston. It has a warehouse-style room for the stage, a smaller Middle Eastern room, and a VIP room. Patrons can also play video games when bands aren’t playing.
San Antonio – White Rabbit is a haven for punk and indie-rock bands. Its dark and brooding atmosphere has one of the best sound systems in the area.
Dallas – Granada Theater used to be a movie theater, but today functions as one of the most unique concert halls in the nation. Bands are treated to a fog machine and some concertgoers can watch shows from the old balcony.
